Sure spray for aerosol caps and dispensers

ABSTRACT

A tamperproof securing device for spray tops of aerosol cans comprising a cover member and a nozzle shield means both of which are specifically configured to be mounted in or adjacent to a groove-like recess which extends along the diameter of the spray cap. A spray button extends through an aperture in the cap and is at least partially surrounded or encased by the shield means due to depending flanges formed thereon. The shield means includes the dependent flanges which are more specifically configured to engage the peripheral edge of the groove while the cover is attached in overlying relation to both the upper surface of the shield means. and the upper surface of the spray cap. Attachment of the cover to the cap may be adhesive, heat fusion or any applicable means and accordingly the shield means will be retained on the cap.

United States Patent Grothoff Dec. 3, 1974 Primary ExaminerStanley H. Tollberg Assistant Examinerlames M. Slattery Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Stein and Orman 5 7 ABSTRACT A tamperproof securing device for spray tops of aerosol cans comprising a cover member and a nozzle shield means both of which are specifically configured to be mounted in or adjacent to a groove-like recess which extends along the diameter of the spray cap. A spray button extends through an aperture in the cap and is at least partially surrounded or encased by the shield means due to depending flanges formed thereon. The shield means includes the dependent flanges which are more specifically configured to engage the peripheral edge of the groove while the cover is attached in overlying relation to both the upper surface of the shield means. and the upper surface of the spray cap. Attachment of the cover to the cap may be adhesive, heat fusion or any applicable means and accordingly the shield means will be retained on the cap.

14 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures PATENTEUUEE 319M 3,851,803

sum 10! e PATENTEL DEC 3 I974 SHEET 3 OF 6 PATENTEL 3574 3,851,803

SHEET [1F 6 Fig.6

Fig.7

SURE SPRAY FOR AEROSOL CAPS AND DISPENSERS RELATED APPLICATION An application on the subject invention was first filed by applicant in Germany (P21137815) on Mar. 22, 1971 and by virtue of such foreign application a right of priority is hereby claimed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a tamperproof securing device of the type designed to be removably secured to the spray cap of an aerosol container such that the spray button is at least partially encased in order to prevent inadvertent or unauthorized use of the container without complete removal of the device.

2. Description of the Prior Art In conventional, prior art tamperproof devices for aerosol containers, a guard comprising webs or flanges is molded on the body of the spray cap affixed to the top of the body of the container. The relative complicated and expensive tooling needed for the production of these prior art devices make their manufacture complex and of course expensive. Other'known devices of this type secure a guard to the cap after'its formation by subsequently sticking, welding or the like. This structure also requires specialized production facilities and automated techniques. Accordingly, such structure have been found to be uneconomical. Other tamperproof guards presently available merely cover the spray button in an attempt to prevent its actuation. However this type design provides unsatisfactory security against unauthorized use, since a tool can be inserted below the guard. When activation of the button occurs in this manner there is nothing to intercept the spray stream and prevent issuance of the product from the container. Based on recognized problems in this area it is also desirable that after the guard has been removed, recognizable signs remain to make any tampering readily obvious.

One problem common to the vast majority of tamperproof devices is their lack of versatility which renders them unavailable for application with the configuration of presently configured overcaps. This of course necessitates the re-design of existing overcaps and subsequently the re-design of production facilities therefore.

Therefore, it can readily be seen that there is a need in the industry for a tamperproof device of the general type described which can be manufactured simply and economically and which includes a structure which renders the device versatile enough to be attached to conventional spray caps without calling for any structural change thereof. Such a versatile structure has a further economical advantage in view of the fact that it can be manufactured, installed using available tools,

production facilities etc. Such a structure shows definite tamperproof protection and makes removal of the guard readily obvious. Also, such a tamperproof device should be efficient while giving the spray top an attractive and striking appearance as a further stimulus to its purchase.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The shield means includes two dependent flanges integrally formed thereonand arranged in disposed relation to one another. The configuration of the shield including the flanges corresponds to a recess in the cup such that this cooperative configuration ensures automatic centering of the nozzleshield on the cap. More specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention the recess narrows at the center and widens towards both ends. The nozzle cover therefore automatically takes up the only possible correct position, thus precluding any chance of the shield being disoriented relative to the cap.

One of the dependent flanges located at what may be termed the front of the shield closes off the front of the recess adjacent to the front of the button and thereby shields the spray stream from issuing from the button.

The other dependent flange is located on the rear of the shield behind the spray head and like the front flanges extends transversely of the length of the groovelike recess in the cap on which the shield is mounted. The rear flange extends into the recess but leaves enough room to define a finger hole for removing the shield. The location and configuration of the flanges leads to an enclosed construction, relative to the button, with no chance of unauthorized activation of the button by a tool or the like. The flange construction also helps to center the shield means and make it fit satisfactorily on the capas set forth above.

The nozzle shield is further configured and positioned relative to the recess so as to be substantially coplanar with the top surface of the spray cap. The cover member is substantially planar and has a circular con-' figuration in at least .one embodiment of the present invention. This feature facilitates connecting preferably being by welding an applicable type adhesive. Because of the generally discoid shape, the cover member can be utilized as an advertising means such as a label and be readily visible.

Because of both esthetic and economic reasons, the length of the nozzle cover is less then the length of the groove-like recess extending over the spray cap. The cover member has, lengthwise of the groove-like recess, the same dimension as the nozzle shield however, it should be recognized that the cover member may be of any general shape, e.g., round, oval, rectangular or the like. The width of the cover member must always be more than the width of the nozzle shield to allow for connection of the casing of the spray cap. To ensure a pleasant appearance, the cover member and the nozzle shield are so devised that at least the upper surface of the shield is completely covered by the cover member.

The shield means can be made of any material, preferably, however, it is made of injection-molded plastics for economic reasons. Alternatively, it can be made of aluminum foil is decorative surfaces are considered to be very important. Similarly, the cover member can be made of coated or uncoated paper, aluminum sheet or foil or plastics or the like. i

Ideally, the configuration and the dimension of the nozzle shield prevents the connection between it and the spray to be a snap connection, to ensure a tight fit. For ease of separation between the cover member and the spray cap, a perforation or a tear-off line is formed at the junction of the recess periphery and the upper surface of the spray cap. The spray cap may be pro- .vided with a completely smooth surface by mounting the cover member in a recess in the spray cap. The depth of this recess of course generally corresponds to the thickness of the cover member.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the tamperproof device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows the nozzle shield means mounted on the spray cap.

FIG. 3 shows the tamperprooof device fully assembled.

FIG. 4 is a partial longitudinal section of the embodiment of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a rear view corresponding to the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 5.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view through the spray cap with the tamperproof device fitted thereon.

FIG. 8-10 are perspective sectioned views of various embodiments directed to the connection of the shield means to the cover element and the spray cap.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are top plan, partial cutaway views of the embodiments of FIG. I, the left-hand part of each of FIGS. 11 and 12 showing the spray cap with securing while the right-hand half shows the spray cap after removal of the device.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION As shown in FIG. 1, the tamperproof device comprises a discoid or disc-like configured cover member 1, a nozzle shield means 2, a spray cap 4 which is disposed on an aerosol can 3, and a spray button 5 which extends outwardly through an aperture at the approximate center of spray cap 4. The cap has formed along its diameter a groove-like recess which narrows at the center near the spray button 5 and then widens towards both sides. The from then slopes downwardly to the top of the aerosol can. The nozzle shield means 2 is configured to correspond to the shape of the groove-like recesss in spray cap 4 and has dependent flanges 14, 1S integrally formed thereon. When assembled the flanges extend downwardly transversely of the length of the groove-like recess as clearly shown in FIG. 4. The flange I4 is positioned on what could be considered the front" wider'portion of the groove-like recess in the spray cap 4, as shown in the accompanying drawings. When assembled over button 5 the flange I4 acts as a shield or guard so as to cover the nozzle of button 5 and prevent spray from issuing therefrom. The rear dependent flange 15 of nozzle shield 2 defines a grip hole 7. This hole is positioned in the narrower portion of the recess so that, and as can be seen in FIG. 4, a finger can be introduced below the nozzle shield 2 and the same can be removed readily. The shaping of the groove-like recess in the spray cap 4 and the corresponding shaping of the nozzle shield 2 insures that the nozzle shield will be introduced into such recess in the correct position and fit firmly thereon. The structure, orientation and configuration of the dependent flange 15 helps the shield relative to the cap.

As FIG. 2 shows the nozzle shield 2 is so devised that, when it has been inserted into the recess to cover the spray button 5, the top of shield 2 is coplanar with the top surface of spray cap 4. The cover member I which may be made of coated or uncoated paper, aluminum foil or sheet or the like or plastics or the like, is then applied. To connect it to the shield 2 and cap 4, the cover 1 can have a coating of self-adhesive or it can be welded to the upper surface and to the nozzle shield 2. In the latter event, at least the cover member I must be made of or lined with the same material as is used for the spray cap, or else the materials used, if different from one another, must be weldable to one another.

The shield 2 can also be made of any applicable material but preferably of plastics capable of being injection molded. In addition the wall thickness of the cover should be reduced. Aluminum foil is desirable for short openable life or if decorative surfaces are an important consideration.

The cover member 1, which can be of substantially any shape, is formed with a perforation 6 or with a zone of reduced wall thickness along the boundary between the nozzle shield 2 and the groove-like recess in the spray cap 4 (FIGS. 8-10). This allows the cover member I to be torn off readily when the shield means 2 is lifted or removed. In the embodiment shown, the cover member I is substantially circular and completely covers the nozzle shield 2 by means of edge regions I3. These edge regions engage the upper surface of cap 4 on both sides of the groove-like recess as is shown in FIGS. 3. The sequence of operations for assembling the tamperproof device can be as required, depending on production-engineering considerations and upon the form of connection between the various components.

As FIGS. 4 and 5 show, the front dependent part 14 of the nozzle shield 2 is positioned completely in the groove-like recess in the spray cap. As shown in FIG. 6, the spray button 5 is seen to be formed with a locating groove 8, indicated in broken lines in FIG. 4. A projection on spray cap 4 engages in groove 8 to locate the spray button 5 transverse to the groove-like recess. The lower portion of the rear dependent flange 15 of nozzle shield 2, removed to define finger hole 7 thereby allow ing a finger, tongue or the like to be readily inserted below the nozzle shield in the manner shown in FIG. 4.

As the cross sectional view of FIG. 7 shows, the top surface of the spray cap 4 can be generally concave to give the cover member 1 some protection against damage or from being accidentally torn off.

Various embodiments of a junction zone, indicated generally by a circle in FIG. 7 and in more detail in FIGS. 8-1, in 10, with a cap portion 9, nozzle shield 10 and cover 11. In FIGS. 8 and I0, the top surface of the cover member 10 cooperates with the top surface of the cap portion 9 to form a continuous surface so that the cover member II has its whole area borne by these two parts. In FIG. 8, the cover member II is not formed with any perforation along the boundary line between the cap portion 9 and the nozzle shield 2. Consequently, when the nozzle shield is lifted the cover member 11 is usually removed entirely, as shown in the right-hand half of FIG. 12. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, where the cover member 11 engages in a recess 16 in the spray cap to give a completely smooth top surface. In this embodiment, the cover member 11 is formed with a perforation 6. Accordingly, when the nozzle shield is raised, the cover member is torn off so that the edge portion 13 of the cover member remains stuck to the spray cap, as shown in the right-hand half of FIG. 11.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the cap portion 9 is formed with a groove 12 along the edge of the groove-like recess, and a projecting portion or ridge 12' of the nozzle shield engages in a snap in groove 12. The main advantage of this feature is to facilitate assembly, since a fit which is tight enough for assembly purposes can be produced between the nozzle cover and the spray cap without any cover member. Another advantage of this feature is to make it possible to manufacture a large number of assemblies for storage, in which event preassembled tops can be provided subsequently with cover members of the required shape, color and indicia.

The filling machine receives the spray caps with the tamperproof device already assembled. After filling with propelling gas, the devices are places on the spray caps and after any necessary alignment, printed. To remove the tamperproof device, a finger is inserted in hole 7 below the shield to pull it off or tear it off, depending upon the design of the cover member and the strength of its connection to the cap. The cover member may be secured by adhesive such that it can be raised together with the nozzle shield or torn off so that the edge portions 13 remain on the spray cap. If the cover member is welded on, however, the edge parts 13 remain behind on the spray cap. This is preferable inasmuch as it show tampering more clearly. A rigid connection between cover member and nozzle shield is unnecessary for the construction of the tamperproof securing according to the invention.

Several modifications of the present invention are possible. For instance, the cover member and the nozzle shield can have a dimension substantially the same as the length of the recess in the spray cap. However, the embodiment shown is preferred for advertising and economic reasons.

What is claimed is:

l. A tamperproof device of the type designed to be secured to a spray cap used on aerosol cans, said tamperproof device comprising: shield means removably mounted on the cap to partially enclose the button actuator protruding through the spray cap, said shield means configured and disposed in substantially overlying relation to a groove-like recess formed in the spray cap, said shield means comprising a first depending flange extending transversely to said groove-like recess and a second depending flange oriented in opposed spaced relation tosaid one flange and extending transversely to the length of said recess, said second flange extending into said recess to a spaced distance from the bottom thereof, thereby defining a finger hole, a cover member attached to the spray cap in overlying relation to said shield means and dimensioned and configured to engage both said shield means and the upper surface means and the upper surface of the spray cap whereby said shield means and cover member is temporarily removed from the spray cap during use of the aerosol can.

2. A device as in claim 1 wherein the length of the shield means is less than the length of the groove-like recess formed in the spray cap.

3. A device as in claim 1 wherein the cover member comprises a perforation in the area adjacent to the boundary surface between the spray cap and the shield means.

4. A device as in claim 1 wherein a snap connection is defined at the contacting surfaces between the spray cap and the nozzle shield means.

5. A device according to claim 1 wherein said cover member is connected to the spray cap by heat fusion.

6. A device according to claim 1 wherein said cover member is connected to the spray cap and to said shield means by adhesive.

' 7. A device according to claim 1 wherein said shield means is formed of plastic.

8. A device according to claim I wherein said shield means is formed from a metallic foil.

9. A device as in claim 1 wherein said cover member is made of a paper material.

10. A device as in claim 9 wherein the paper from which said cover member is formed is coated.

11. A device as in claim 1 wherein said sheild means comprises a substantially discoid configuration and is mounted on the cap in substantially coplanar relation with the top surface of the spray cap.

12. A device as in claim 1 comprising said cover member being configured and dimensioned to have opposite peripheral portions thereof extend outwardly of said shield means, in substantially parallel planar relation thereto and completely cover the upper portion of said shield means.

13. A device as in claim 12 wherein said cover member has a zone of reduced wall thickness in the area adjacent to the boundary surface between said spray cap and the cover member.

14. A device as in claim 1 wherein said cover member is mounted in a planar recess formed in the spray cap, the depth of the planar recess substantially corresponding to the thickness of said cover member.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3 j851-'; 803 Dat d December 3', 1974 Inv t Hans Grothoff It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 4, line 60", delete "8:1, in 102" and insert therefor 8-10, in association Signed and sealed this 3rd day of June 1975.

(SEAL) Attest:

C. MARSHALL DANN RUTH C. MASON Commissioner of Patents Attesting Officer and Trademarks 

1. A tamperproof device of the type designed to be secured to a spray cap used on aerosol cans, said tamperproof device comprising: shield means removably mounted on the cap to partially enclose the button actuator protruding through the spray cap, said shield means configured and disposed in substantially overlying relation to a groove-like recess formed in the spray cap, said shield means comprising a first depending flange extending transversely to said groove-like recess and a second depending flange oriented in opposed spaced relation to said one flange and extending transversely to the length of said recess, said second flange extending into said recess to a spaced distance from the bottom thereof, thereby defining a finger hole, a cover member attached to the spray cap in overlying relation to said shield means and dimensioned and configured to engage both said shield means and the upper surface means and the upper surface of the spray cap whereby said shield means and cover member is temporarily removed from the spray cap during use of the aerosol can.
 2. A device as in claim 1 wherein the length of the shield means is less than the length of the groove-like recess formed in the spray cap.
 3. A device as in claim 1 wherein the cover member comprises a perforation in the area adjacent to the boundary surface between the spray cap and the shield means.
 4. A device as in claim 1 wherein a snap connection is defined at the contacting surfaces between the spray cap and the nozzle shield means.
 5. A device according to claim 1 wherein said cover member is connected to the spray cap by heat fusion.
 6. A device according to claim 1 wherein said cover member is connected to the spray cap and to said shield means by adhesive.
 7. A device according to claim 1 wherein said shield means is formed of plastic.
 8. A device according to claim 1 wherein said shield means is formed from a metallic foil.
 9. A device as in claim 1 wherein said cover member is made of a paper material.
 10. A device as in claim 9 wherein the paper from which said cover member is formed is coated.
 11. A device as in claim 1 wherein said sheild means comprises a substantially discoid configuration and is mounted on the cap in substantially coplanar relation with the top surface of the spray cap.
 12. A device as in claim 1 comprising said cover member being configured and dimensioned to have opposite peripheral portions thereof extend outwardly of said shield means, in substantially parallel planar relation thereto and completely cover the upper portion of said shield means.
 13. A device as in claim 12 wherein said cover member has a zone of reduced wall thickness in the area adjacent to the boundary surface between said spray cap and the cover member.
 14. A device as in claim 1 wherein said cover member is mounted in a planar recess formed in the spray cap, the depth of the planar recess substantially corresponDing to the thickness of said cover member. 